Chieftain's Cigar Malt 2007 Classic

[John]

This is the tasting notes from a panel of carefully selected nosers, tasters and smokers.

Region: Highland Wood Type: Chateau La Nerthe Finish

Cask: 90931/90932 Distilled: 07/04/1994

No of Bottles: 618 Bottled: September 2007

Strength 54.4%

Natural colour, unchill-filtered

Keir Sword, Owner, Cigar Box and Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh: -There's quite an unusual nose on this whisky - clotted cream, ash and a slightly sour woodiness. This is contrasted on the palate with lots of sweetness, and a big hot alcoholic kick, which attacks the front of the tongue and leaves a long tingling finish.

Jens Tausch, Consultant, European Cigar Journal, Germany: "This dram stands for a fantastic package of fruity-spicy notes, with some flavours of port wine and tones of tobacco. You will find the fruity spiciness again on the palate, joined by an aroma of sour cherry. A perfect combination for medium cigars of Honduras, like a Maria Mancini Especial or a full-bodied Mexican puro. The herbal, spicy and bitter-chocolate sweetness of the mini belicoso from Te-Amo provides a wonderful interplay of aromas."

Stuart Smith, Manager, Cigar Box and Royal Mile Whiskies, Edinburgh: Nose Lovely summer fruits, clotted cream and wine wood influence here. The firmer cask flavours start to emerge. Water enhances these cask flavours further and brings in notes of burnt sugar and blueberries. Palate That firm character comes through on the palate. Combination of wood-spice, butterscotch and an almost sherried style richness that coats the mouth. Water gives the fruiter side a chance to shine with the wood works well either way. Creamier note also comes through. Finish Very dry, good richness lovely balance. A thoroughly interesting and enjoyable dram. Works extremely well with a variety of cigars from the more medium weighted through to the richer styles both Cuban and non-Cuban.

Regis Lemaitre, Spirits Expert, RegisWhiskyMad: Strawberry, red fruit, figs inner seed, pear drops, floral. The taste is strong with red fruit notes, maraschino cherry, and alcoholic tastiness of Griotte. Mash tun, with water, raspberry coulis, pomegranate, and dragon fruit. It is my opinion, that of all the samples tasted, this was the best suited to consume with a good cigar. This malt is particularly good, as it seems to suit well all three styles of cigars sampled (Mild, Medium and Full-bodied), and I feel that it has the best chance of suiting any cigar as chosen by followers of the Chieftain Cigar Malt. Happy pairing!

Rob Allanson, Editor of the Whisky and Cigar Magazines: Nose: Spicy, rich notes with sweet wood and leaves. Summer berry compote with strawberries. Wet cedar. Palate: More strawberries with sharp red fruits. Hints of lemon and pomegranate. Refreshing and interesting finish, with good mouth feel. Cigar: Romeo Y Julieta Short Churchill or CAO Cameroon Robusto.

Antony McCallum, Rare Malt Manager, Ian Macleod Distillers: A fruity, caramel and herbal, honey wax nose, offering a well balanced body. Dried sultanas and fresh fruit. Dragon fruit, pomegranate, wine gums and vanilla ice cream. A great all-rounder to enjoy alone, or with a cigar.

[Andy M]

John, thanks for the tasting notes on the new editions Chieftans Choice range.
I particularly like the cigar recommendations as i enjoy the odd cigar with my whisky.

Andy